The Beauty that is a Husband

With so many stereo types it's hard to remember the wonder and strength of men, their dogged diligence to their jobs and loving commitment to their families. Ya, right sure, you say. Not my Husband, but stop for just a moment and really think about him. Look past the frustrating quirks and habits, past the stereo types. Once you strip that away you are left with what Heavenly Father intended for us to see. The strength, the loyalty, the cunning, the creativity, the many reasons we love and need them. Yes, I did say need, because we do! Who else would we get to hang up Christmas lights outside in freezing temperatures? Who else will get up out of the nice soft warm bed to find out 'what that noise was'? Who else will hold us when we cry? Who else knows our deepest darkest secrets and yet still loves us anyways? Our husbands, that's who.

Since the start of time civilizations have recognized the importance of husbands and men. The bible states marriage as ordained of God, that husbands and wives should cleave onto one another as helpmates through this life into the next. The Greeks had beautiful stories of how everyone once had two heads and four arms and legs. But they made the Greek Gods angry and so the Greek Gods split the people in two and scattered them to the four winds. Ever since then people wander the earth looking for their other half. As women young and old we talk about them, dream about them, and cry about them. We pick out characteristics and qualities that we would like them to have, and complain about their short-fallings. And when we find the one man that sends our hearts beating and blood singing with just a look, we think of nothing else but him. Then if they should feel the same way and ask us to marry them we feel giddy and scared, excited and torn, we laugh and cry at the same time and can do nothing but hold on to them as we try to calm down.

They go to work each day and find ways to somehow make it through only to come home to the noise, stresses, and problems that come with supporting a household. They comfort upset children, give us a comforting hug with a soft word of praise. Then step to whatever task needs their attention, anything from helping with dinner to a quick repair in the home. They don't receive any comfort or attention themselves until later that night if they haven't fallen a sleep before we get there.

We take them to the mall, we take them home to the family, we take them to the movies, and we take them for granted. They willingly follow us around when we are strong and sure of ourselves or lead us when we hesitate and falter. They protect us when we need someone solid and daring, or they ride in our shadow when we soar on our dreams.

But for all their strength and dependability they need our support and attention. They have delicate egos and fragile feelings. They are clever and witty but must be praised, groomed, and complimented often. Search for the hidden meaning behind their words and actions, for they try so hard to cover them up. And don't take offence to the TV/Video game habit. Just as we like to talk about our day to unwind or understand they wish to work on something they know the rules too. TV and games they know once they memorize the rules it won't change, unlike people.

Bottom line is men, husbands, were placed on earth as help mates to women. They were made in Heavenly Fathers image and so are of a divine nature. Not something to laugh at or scorn. But to revere and inspire. We can not compare or generalize them and should not underestimate them. Instead we should love them and be patient with them. Who else do we have to cheer us when we are down or help us when we fall? They are the other half, the balance to us and nothing on this earth lasts long unbalanced. So smile at them, laugh with them, and love them. They are a gift from heaven, a protector from God, a helpmate, a supporter, a friend. And heaven knows you can never have enough friends.